Visions of Past, Present and Future Theme of 67th Naples Flower Show

The energy was very high at the 67th Annual Naples Flower Show and Garden Market held at the Naples Botanical Garden – the perfect setting. This is one of the largest juried flower shows in Southwest Florida. “Visions: Past – Present – Future” was the theme and was woven into all aspects of the event.

Visitors escaped into a room filled with the wonderful world of unique floral creations. In the universe of floral design, a little competition can be a good thing with many visitors getting the chance to vote for their choice of design. The displays transformed the space into an incredibly festive room filled with talent. 

During a floral juried show, the floral arrangements have to follow many rules dealing with style, inspiration of the design, list of the flowers and foliage used in the design; dimensions of the design and even the size and shape of the table it will be displayed on. And it’s not all about flowers – they have a large division devoted to horticulture.

Under the Section Through an Artist Eyes was a Cave Drawing of Long Ago, in the manner of cave drawings at Lascaux, France. The floral design is supposed to compliment this painting with the use of plant materials, interpretation, components and rhythms. Designers were allowed to use fresh and/or dried plant materials and other components of the designer’s choice. If you did check all the required boxes, your floral display might get you a judge’s Blue Ribbon.

A second painting was in the manner of Vincent Van Gogh and also inspired floral creations reflecting the artwork.

“Fabulous” was the word Marianne Foley of the Calusa Garden Club used to describe this year’s show as she cast her ballot for her choice of best design. 

I enjoyed visiting the Horticulture Division with such categories as the “Green Eyed Lady” displaying single cut specimens from backyard vines. It all looked so easy – exhibitors brought in a cutting of a favorite vine from their backyard such as a bleeding heart or jade vine displayed in a clear vase with a label. But you have to keep the specimen fresh for the duration of the show.

A gardener’s favorite under the Horticultural Division was the Herb Garden Displays showcasing containers with five or more different species of herbs grown together for at least six weeks. 

The Apothecary Garden contained herbs with medicinal qualities such as lemongrass, sage, chives, oregano, aloe vera and silver dollar eucalyptus. The poisonous plant container listed some of the most dangerous plants you can find in the wild and in your garden. Did you know that Daffodil bulbs are poisonous when eaten?

Most fun are the Hats in the Garden Category using plant materials to decorate a hat or a fascinator.

Most inspiring is the Horticultural Youth Division Seeds to Sprouts Display from the Avalon Elementary School Global Garden Program. Each student prepared a six-inch decorated clay pot with a vegetable re-sprouted from a root.